Fielding and catching the baseball is one of the most underrated aspects of the game. Many baseball players and fans admire athletes who can hit the ball consistently and drive it out of the park for home runs. Strike-out pitchers with overpowering fastballs are receive plaudits. But catching the baseball well and playing solid defense has just as much to to do with winning as the other two attributes.
Three-Base Drill
In this drill, the infielder must catch three ground balls and make three consecutive strong throws. The coach hits the first ground ball toward the infielder who is playing shortstop. The fielder throws it to first base. On the second ground ball, the fielder throws the ball to second base as if it were a force play. On the third ground ball, the fielder throws the ball home as if he were trying to get the runner out at home.
Foul Line Relay
In this drill, the coach has six players line up down the left field foul line and six players down the right field foul line. They are spaced evenly between home plate and the foul pole. The players standing at home plate throw the baseball to the next players down the line. The second players throws to the third players, and the third players throw it to the fourth. The drill continues in that manner until the last player catches the ball. Then that player return the ball back down the line until it reaches the catcher. The group that returns the ball to the catcher first without dropping it wins the drill. This helps players learn to concentrate and catch.
Get the Angle Drill
This drill helps outfielders learn to cut off the ball in the gap. Line up all the outfielders in right field. Standing where the second baseman normally positions himself, throw high fly balls into right center field. The outfielder must run at an angle to catch each ball. Give each outfielder three throws to catch.
First Base Drill
Ask your players line up in the area of first base. Give each player a chance to field the ball. Have your shortstop to throw a one-hopper to the first baseman. The first baseman has to try to catch the ball on the short hop. This takes concentration and proper positioning of the glove. This drill will help players learn how to make tough catches and help coaches find a strong-fielding first baseman.
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